Worthing hospice plans online gathering as part of Sunflower Memories Appeal 2020

The display will be on show at the hospice throughout the month, with each sunflower bearing the name of a loved one.

This year’s Sunflower Memories Appeal will see every donation go directly towards providing vital care services, both at the hospice and for patients needing support in their own homes.

Shoreham widower David Rolf, 81, is keen to do all he can to support the hospice, which cared for his beloved wife Mary after she was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer in 2018.

David, who is chairman of Friends of St Mary’s Church, admits he was worried about Mary going into St Barnabas at first, as he had had no experience of hospices and was not sure what to expect.

But when Mary was admitted after Christmas 2018, he found she was extremely well looked after, with a huge amount of support for the family.

David said: “How can I repay the huge debt of gratitude that I owe to everyone concerned? Impossible, I believe, apart from continuing to do what I can to support the hospice’s inspiring care for all who come to it in need.

“Mary had always made it clear that she wanted to spend her last days in the care of the hospice, where she would feel safe.

“Thanks to the outstanding clinical and other care that Mary received, shortly before the end I said to her ‘are you calm?’, to which she whispered ‘yes’, and ‘are you in any pain?’, ‘no’. Absolutely everyone did everything to make Mary’s last weeks peaceful.”

Mary spent nearly six weeks at the hospice before she died on February 9, 2019. David and their daughter Launa Rolf are delighted to dedicate a sunflower to her memory.

Discovering his wife had Stage 4 ovarian cancer was so shocking to David, it remains to this day as immediate as when he first heard the shattering news.

Launa said: “What overwhelmed us was that while Mum was being treated at the hospice, she continued to live on with her unique individuality, where her own strengths were considered every single day by the people who cared for and engaged with her.

“The room where she spent her days was beautiful, airy and bright, overlooking a garden where she would watch the bushes and trees in the wind, rain and sunshine. She enjoyed watching the birds who visited and ate from the bird feeders. This became such an important aspect to Mum’s psychological wellbeing, knowing that a little of the outside was with her inside her room.”

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the usual Time of Reflection gathering at the hospice will be replaced with a special virtual dedication on Friday, August 21. This will enable everyone to take part, including those who are still shielding or self-isolating.

An online dedication page has been set up to allow supporters to pay tribute to their loved one, by adding photos and a personal message so memories can be shared with family and friends, wherever they are in the world.

To take part in Sunflower Memories and make an online dedication visit www.stbh.org.uk/sunflowermemories

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